Meet Berno Overbeek – Physician-researcher at the Knowledge Center for Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness (PDOC)
18 October 2024I live with my family in Doetinchem in the Achterhoek and have been working as an external PhD candidate at the research group Niemand tussen Wal en Schip (= Nobody falls between the cracks) since June 2013.
During my training as a elderly care physician, I first came into contact with people with PDOC. I was and am struck by what someone in PDOC and his or her loved ones go through. Since my first acquaintance, the problems of people with PDOC have not let go of me. That is why I made the choice to do further research into PDOC. Since 2013, I have been doing this one day a week in addition to my job as a geriatric specialist.
My research focuses on patients in a minimally conscious state (minimally conscious state; MCS). In my research, I looked at the diagnosis of MCS. In addition, I have done a national study to map people with MCS in Dutch institutions. The PhD programme is now being completed. I am also a member of two international working groups in which ongoing research on PDOC is discussed and we also look at which research questions still need to be answered in the future.
Berno Overbeek - Physician-researcher at the PDOC Knowledge Center
Why does this position appeal to you?
Much has already been achieved to improve care for people with PDOC in the Netherlands. Intensive neurorehabilitation is now accessible to all ages and a good treatment chain has been set up. Over the years, I have experienced the mutual cooperation within EENnacoma as very pleasant and inspiring.
What are you looking forward to (the most)?
I look forward to contributing to further improvement of care for people with PDOC with the team of the PDOC Knowledge Center. Among other things, I am involved in the development of the research agenda and the further development of the training plan.